Newark, MD, March 24, 2026 — Worcester County Public Schools is proud to announce that Phillip “Chef” Cropper has been named the 2026 Maryland ACTE Teacher of the Year by the Maryland Career and Technical Administrators (MCTA), a division of the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE).
Chef Cropper, a culinary arts instructor at Worcester Technical High School, is widely recognized for his innovative teaching practices, deep industry expertise, and commitment to preparing students for successful careers. His leadership in developing The Pines Café, a student-run teaching restaurant, provides hands-on, real-world learning experiences that set his program apart across the state.
This latest recognition adds to an already impressive list of honors for Cropper, including Maryland ProStart Teacher of the Year, Worcester County Teacher of the Year, and national recognition as a culinary educator. His impact extends beyond the classroom through initiatives such as international student exchanges and catering events that provide authentic learning experiences for students.
As the Maryland ACTE Teacher of the Year, Cropper will now advance to compete in the ACTE Region I Teacher of the Year competition, representing Maryland among top educators from across the Northeast and mid-Atlantic. The regional winner will be announced this spring during the ACTE Region I Conference in Cincinnati, Ohio. If selected at the regional level, Cropper would move on to national consideration for ACTE Teacher of the Year later this year.